We value your privacy. We may collect personal information from you for business, marketing, and commercial purposes.
Read more

We value your privacy. We may collect personal information from you such as identifying information (name, address, driver's license number), transactional information (products or services purchased and payment history), digital network activity (interactions with our website, IP address), geo-location data, audio recordings and other forms of personal information. We use this information for business, marketing and commercial purposes, including but not limited to, providing the products and services you request, processing your claims, protecting against fraud, maintaining security, confirming your identity and offering you other insurance and financial products.

For California residents, click here to view the full version of the California Consumer Privacy Notice.

Be intentional about the opportunities you pursue

Being a founder often means working jobs and hours you may not always be excited about. But as long as it's leading toward your ultimate goal, you're on the right track.

Explore opportunities that will allow you to focus on moving your entrepreneurial project forward and balance your life needs, at the same time.

Cultivating a new business takes time, effort, energy, and more often than not - money. You can have it all…start with getting intentional with your time and where your efforts are spent. Intentionality is paramount when you're balancing the priorities of building a startup with maintaining the very real-right-now daily life needs.

When it comes to working while also building the foundation for a successful business, it might mean some sacrifices now in order to position yourself for entrepreneurial success in the long run. For example, you might find yourself taking on work or projects in the short-term that aren't your 100% dream job match - but that position you to reach that long-term goal. In other words, you gotta do what you gotta do...

As the saying goes, you've got to squeeze a few lemons to make lemonade. You'll need the flexibility to work on that dream project. That might mean giving up the cushier lifestyle you've been living for a bit, so you can get to your goal.

When thinking about how to grow your business, while still bringing in an income, explore opportunities that suit your short-term needs and wants, and support your long-term goals best:

In the end, you'll have to prioritize your life needs and choose the work that lets you meet those priorities. Founding your own company often means you'll be working hours you're not super pumped about. But as long as you keep your eye on the prize and know your intention behind your decision, you're on the right track.

Remember This: It can be overwhelming to balance the priorities of pursuing your entrepreneurial dream with the day-to-day realities of life. But when you're feeling discouraged remind yourself why you're doing it. Keep your eye on the prize, you're on the road to something incredible.

This tip comes from Levi Baer. Levi is an Community builder, educator, trainer, and co-founder of Second Shift Chicago. Hit him up with questions on transitioning from full-time to your time on Twitter, @mysterybaer.

What's in the Entrepreneur's Toolbox?

In this series, Next Door® brings you tools and advice from Chicago area entrepreneurs who want to pass along their been-there-done-that knowledge and expertise. Want to learn more from other entrepreneurs? Get the tools to your inbox.

State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites hyperlinked from this page. State Farm has no discretion to alter, update, or control the content on the hyperlinked, third party site. Access to third party sites is at the user's own risk, is being provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products which may be referenced on such third party sites.